This lil stone cottage isn’t too far from my house.
In an area that’s comprised mostly of post-war housing with little variation, this little cottage and its plain white wood door stand out. Around here, any door without a storm or screen door stands out.

I apologize for the blur, but in my defense, the morning sun was unholy bright and Sadie was pulling me toward the squirrels.

Decades ago, in what seems like another lifetime, I delivered pizza to this house and got to see the inside. It was candlelit and cozy, with its stone hearth, stained glass windows, and choppy wood floors. There were books and plants in abundance. The cottage was so feminine and dreamy — throws and pillows and lace strewn about. I could only stare and “Wow.” I told the owner how much I loved it. She thanked me and told me she bought it after her divorce. She said it was her Divorced Woman’s Castle. She said she lived alone and she could do whatever she wanted.

I knew exactly what she meant, and I’ve never forgotten her home or her words. She was, for ten to fifteen minutes on a cold winter’s night, one of the warmest, most authentic, captivating women I ever encountered.

That other lifetime ago, and for many years after, the lawn was impeccably kept. Flowers and herbs surrounded the cottage, and potted plants spilled from every man made surface outside. Every time I drove by, I thought of her and wished her well. She left a real impression on me.

It’s still a lovely home, but there’s no sign of her there. No sign of her green thumb or her joie de vivre. She would never have chosen a plain white door, pretty as this one may be.

#ThursdayDoors is an inspired post series run by Norm Frampton. If you like interesting doors, visit his site and check out what people are sharing today.

42 Responses to #Thursday Doors — Woman’s Divorce Castle

I love stone buildings and, although the door is plain, the sculpted-like arch gives it a beautiful character. Thanks for sharing your personal conneciton with the building. On so many occasions when I take a picture of a door, I wish I could just take a look inside. I think this cottage is best the way you hold it in your memory.

I think we married women should be able to rent a Divorced Woman’s Castle for a few days just to see what it would be like. Though I’m PERFECTLY happy in my married couple house, of course, your homage just made it sound so appealing. A lovely memory and the blurred image kind of goes with your gauzy remembrance.

I know exactly what you mean, same as she did, same as I feel. That freedom of having a space without compromise is still as appealing as she said it was. We see so often a bachelor pad or a man cave…but an escape into sheer femininity has its appeal as well.

I hate seeing places that I somewhat knew the former owner and how they kept the place looking nice and then one day you drive by and see dandelions and overgrown brush everywhere and can’t help but wonder what happened to the previous owner.

Joey, I love stories behind the doors so your post was “made for me!!” I am divorced 3 times and feel even my little apartment is a “palace!” I especially like how this woman had an abundance of plants and a green thumb. I love her “joie de vivre” in pillows, comfort and beauty shown in her warm, captivating personality. Hope she continues to have a happy single life until the end of her days, wherever she may be. Joey, so glad you featured this door and story of what was behind the door, along with how her passion showed in her gardens on the outside of her home. I also notice a large evergreen with branches hanging down.

If this isn’t a true story, don’t tell me. I want to imagine this happened, that this woman found her castle and peace. Even if she fades away in the telling, she was the bones of the telling. And that’s what makes the story beautiful.